I'm beyond confused why he's being fined for this hit...not only is Cruz in bounds, but Ed clearly leads with the shoulder, hits with the shoulder, makes minimal H2H contact (with the mouthpiece or chinstrap), but other than that he didn't break any rules at all..._________________

Is it protocol for the nfl to mandatory fine a player if he is flagged for an illegal hit? Because the nfl should review this and clarify exactly why they fined Reed this amount. In any eyes he leads with his shoulder into Cruz's chest, but the helmets did make minor contact. No where was Reed lunging, leading with his helmet or aiming above the shoulders.

Is it protocol for the nfl to mandatory fine a player if he is flagged for an illegal hit? Because the nfl should review this and clarify exactly why they fined Reed this amount. In any eyes he leads with his shoulder into Cruz's chest, but the helmets did make minor contact. No where was Reed lunging, leading with his helmet or aiming above the shoulders.

While I'd understand a 15k fine, 55k seems to require some excessive action._________________

What a garbage fine. All of a sudden the NFL has it out for Reed. Appeal that crap and get at least most of it tossed out again. There was nothing wrong with that hit, at least as far as fines should be concerned. Fifty-five thousand dollars? Insane.

Reed is a repeat repeat offender. From what I understand their way "slight" contact. Perhaps another safety without any priors gets fined 5-15k, but Reed knows he could be suspended now... This is honestly the best slap on the wrist he could hope for... Maybe 35k would've been a bit more reasonable though._________________

Reed is a repeat repeat offender. From what I understand their way "slight" contact. Perhaps another safety without any priors gets fined 5-15k, but Reed knows he could be suspended now... This is honestly the best slap on the wrist he could hope for... Maybe 35k would've been a bit more reasonable though.

Yep. Repeat offender status increases the fine amount. Because the H2H contact was minimal (though still present), I'm sure that's how he avoided a suspension. Had it been a clear blow to the head, I doubt he gets off with just a fine._________________